Hundreds of Moroccan football fans are devastated after last-minute flight cancellations prevent them from traveling to Qatar for Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final.
Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s national airline, had planned to operate seven additional flights ahead of the game.
It made the decision after Morocco’s FA promised 13,000 free tickets to the match against France.
However, it was announced on Wednesday that Qatari officials had blocked the flights.
“Following the latest restrictions imposed by Qatari authorities, Royal Air Maroc regrets to inform customers of the cancellation of their Qatar Airways flights,” the airline said in a statement to Reuters.
It’s unclear why Qatari officials ordered the flights to be cancelled, and the government’s central communications office has yet to respond to a BBC request for comment.
In a post on its social media channels on Monday, the airline offered 30 additional flights as part of a “exceptional flight schedule” to assist fans in getting to Qatar.
However, affiliated travel agencies later stated that there would be only seven additional flights.
The cancellations affected a number of fans who had already purchased tickets.
In a post on its social media channels on Monday, the airline offered 30 additional flights as part of a “exceptional flight schedule” to assist fans in getting to Qatar.
However, affiliated travel agencies later stated that there would be only seven additional flights.
Many fans who had already purchased tickets and hotel rooms were left out of pocket as a result of the cancellations.
The airline issued a full apology and promised to reimburse passengers.
Meanwhile, a number of Moroccan expatriates have arrived in Qatar, drawn by the promise of free tickets from the country’s football association.
It is estimated that there are approximately five million Moroccans living throughout the world, with the majority of them residing in France.
However, as fans arrived at the Al Janoub stadium’s fan centres, many of whom were wearing Moroccan flags and caps to protect themselves from the heat, they were disappointed when the FA’s promised free tickets did not materialize.
Zineb Nfati, a supporter, told the BBC that she had traveled from Paris for the game but had been unable to find a ticket.
“It’s a very symbolic game because it’s Morocco versus France, and I’m half-French, half-Moroccan,” she explained.
“The issue is that there are no trustworthy sources. There is no trustworthy information “Ms. Nfati stated. “I came here with my brother, and I’m not sure what we’re going to do… I’m devastated.”
This is the first time an African team has reached this stage of football’s most prestigious competition, though their French opponents are heavily favored to advance to the final against Argentina.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who grew up in Paris, says his team is confident and does not want to “wait another 40 years for an African team” to shine on the international stage.
source.nsemwokrom.com
